Bumetanide

Generic Name: Bumetanide

What is this medication and its most common uses?

Bumetanide tablets are medicines used to treat fluid retention associated with heart failure and liver or kidney disease.

What should I know when beginning and continuing on this medication?

How does this medication work?

Bumetanide tablets are water pills and work by eliminating extra fluid and sodium (salt) from your body, thereby reducing swelling.

What are the beneficial effects of this medication and when should I begin to have results?

What: Bumetanide tablets may help reduce the swelling that you experience as a result of heart failure and liver or kidney disease.

When: Bumetanide tablets may start eliminating extra fluid and sodium from your body within 30 minutes to a few hours of taking them. Though you may not feel an improvement or change in the way you feel, it is very important to keep taking your medicine as prescribed to keep your condition under control.

How do I know it is working?

You may notice an improvement in your swelling after you start taking bumetanide tablets. Your healthcare provider may order tests regularly to check how well this medication is working.

What are the possible side effects of this medication?

The following is not a full list of side effects. Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Only your healthcare provider can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this medication.

Bumetanide tablets are strong water pills which, if taken in doses higher than prescribed by your healthcare provider, can lead to significant water and electrolyte (chemicals that are important for the cells in your body to function, such as sodium and potassium) loss. Therefore, it is very important that you take bumetanide tablets exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Hearing problems with symptoms such as ringing in your ears, difficulty hearing, or deafness.

Who should not take this medication?

Do not take bumetanide tablets if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients.

Do not take bumetanide tablets if you are unable to produce urine.

Do not take bumetanide tablets if you have very low electrolyte levels.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before I take the first dose of this medication?

Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with bumetanide tablets. Also, talk to your healthcare provider about your complete medical history, especially if you have liver problems; a history of arrhythmias (a life-threatening irregular heartbeat); diabetes; diarrhea; or if you are allergic to sulfonamide medications (such as hydrochlorothiazide or glipizide).

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your healthcare provider uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your healthcare provider may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your healthcare provider's approval.

Adults: The usual dose is 0.5 to 2 milligrams a day. Your healthcare provider may adjust your dose as needed, until the desired effect is achieved.

If you are elderly or have liver impairment, your healthcare provider may adjust your dose appropriately.

How should I take this medication?

Take bumetanide tablets exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not change your dose or stop taking bumetanide tablets without first talking to your healthcare provider.

What should I avoid while taking this medication?

Do not become dehydrated. Drink plenty of fluids while you are taking bumetanide tablets.

What are the possible food and drug interactions associated with this medication?

If bumetanide tablets are taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your healthcare provider before combining bumetanide tablets with the following: blood pressure medicines (such as amlodipine or atenolol), certain antibiotics (such as gentamicin), digoxin, indomethacin, lithium, medicines that may harm your kidneys (such as amphotericin B or methotrexate), or probenecid.

May I receive this medication if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of bumetanide tablets during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Do not breastfeed while taking bumetanide tablets. Tell your healthcare provider immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose of this medication?

If you miss a dose of bumetanide tablets, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at once.

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